Best Headphones for Basketball in 2023 – Full Buyer’s Guide & Reviews!

The best Headphones for Basketball can enhance the player’s performance. Like shoes, pants, etc headphones play an important role. It works well in sessions like a warm-up, practice, and before the game to set up the mood.

There’re a few things to consider before buying a headphone for basketball. Features like, sound quality, wearability, comfort, and much more makes the whole experience for the user.

This is why most pro-NBA players wear their favorite pair of headphones out on the court before a big game. It allows you to get in your zone and set the right energy for the big game ahead.

There are a lot of brands in the market. it’s not easy to find and pick the right one for you. based on our personal experience we’ve evaluated a few headphones. Here’s a detailed list of our Best Headphones for Basketball.

In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best headphones for basketball. We’ll filter through the countless models out there, and compare them to one another. Further down, I will give you all the information you will need to purchase a new pair of headphones that will help you stay focused on the court!

Best Overall – Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

Our Rating: (5/5)

It comes as no surprise that beats make the best headphones for any sport. This company has been focusing on basketball players since its very beginning. Lebron James wears them on and off the basketball court.

The Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones actually bring a ton of value to the table. It has superb sound quality and performance for a great basketball warm-up session. Being wireless you’ll get a hassle-free experience.

One of the main appeals of these particular headphones from Beats is that they are cheaper than usual. They bring all the familiar bass-rich sound features. At this price range, they rule the market and earn huge customer satisfaction all over the world.

For some users, the only issue is, it’s slightly bulkier and heavier. It also makes them slightly less than ideal for warmer outdoor basketball sessions. Because their pads are bigger than normal. For this reason, it’ll sweat up your head.

The headphones come in a one-size-fits-all configuration. There are 7 different color options. Overall, their construction is sturdy. You’ll get a nice carrying case.  The sound has a good balance in lows. It also has decent mids and highs.  This headphone is compact. Also, suitable for travel, and the headband is adjustable. You’ll get buttons with nice controls for a great experience.

Best On-Ear – Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones for basketball are a perfect choice. These headphones have been specifically designed for sports enthusiasts and offer an immersive audio experience like no other.

The sleek and comfortable design of these headphones makes them perfect for intense workout sessions and outdoor activities. The ear cups are adjustable. They are made with soft padding that molds to your ears.

It provides ultimate comfort during extended use. The headphones are also lightweight. So you won’t have to worry about any added strain on your neck while playing basketball.

Durability is key when it comes to sports headphones and Adidas RPT-01 check this box. The ear cups are sweat and water-resistant. It can withstand the toughest of basketball sessions. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless transitions between devices. The built-in microphone also enables hands-free calls, so you won’t have to stop your session to take a call.

The RPT-01s are also IPX4-rated meaning they can officially handle plenty of sweating when you play with them. They also have one of the best battery lives on this list. When fully charged, they can last you up to 40 hours of continuous playtime. You control the music or your calls from the control knob on the side. The headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.0 with both Android and iOS devices seamlessly.

Take your sports game to the next level with the Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones. With their superior sound quality and comfortable design. So why wait? Get yours today and experience the ultimate in sound quality and convenience.

Best In-Ear – JBL Reflect Mini 2 Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a solid pair of in-ear headphones then the JBL Reflect Mini 2 is for you. Right now, it is the highest-selling in-ear sports headphones on the market.

People love these because they are affordable. to pass on. As per the price, it doesn’t sacrifice in audio quality of sports performance.

In fact, while you’re playing basketball you’ll get excellent stability. There’s zero chance of falling out of your ears when you’re playing. Their unique design fits in most earlobes.

The headphones come with four sets of ergonomic ear tips that are all made out of flexible silicone. These patented Freebie enhancers work to sort of make the headphones stuck in your ear.

There is a connective cord between the two earbuds. However, that may be seen as an advantage. It makes it easier to take off your ears for a while and is much harder to lose or drop on the ground when you’re training.

On that cord, you also have the remote control keys which allow you to change songs and control the volume levels. Speaking of the volume, these get relatively loud, even for in-ear headphones. Their sound is well-balanced with a slight increase in basses.

Unfortunately, these don’t come in different color options and they rely on their flexible ear tips in order to fit most people. Also, their battery life is nowhere near as good as one of the Adidas or Beats headphones. On a full charge, they can typically last you around 8-10 hours, depending on the volume levels. They connect to most devices via Bluetooth 3.0. As a whole, for this price, these are the best in-ear headphones you can get for playing basketball.

Best Battery Life – JBL Endurance Peak True Wireless Earbuds

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

JBL Endurance Peak is another banger from the same product line. These True wireless buds have plenty of features that give them a slight edge over the Reflect Mini 2. Considering a few downsides it could be a winner for you.

One of the most notable differences between the two models is in their design. The Endurace Peaks are “true” wireless earbuds. They don’t require any physical connection between them or your device in order to work and play music. It makes them more comfortable to put in and out. However, it also makes them easier to fall off your ears and on the ground.

These headphones have huge battery life. They are one of the in-ear headphones with the highest battery life out there. They can last up to 28 hours on a full charge. On our rough usage, we’ve had more than that. There is a caveat to that, though. Most of that battery life is located in their carrying case. It charges them when you put them inside.

To be frank, the headphones only have 4 hours of continuous playtime. For some users, it can be disappointing. However, you can charge them 7 times over in the carrying case. The case is also quite durable and protects the headphones from any type of damage.

Best Budget – Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 On-Ear Sport Headphones

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’re looking for a budget pair of on-ear headphones, then the Plantronics Backbeat Fit 500 is the right product for you. These headphones come at one of the best prices on the market. They are widely chosen mostly by basketball players. You might see them quite often on the indoor and outdoor basketball courts.

The headphones pack 40mm drivers on both sides. You’ll get decent rich mids and lows with above-average highs. Credit goes to their deeper cups. There is also an acoustic effect in the sound delivery. For this reason, it is easier to listen for longer periods of time. Most in-ear headphones don’t offer this comfort feature.

The earcups and the headband are relatively durable. The most important feature of theirs is that they are padded with memory foam. Regardless of the size it is comfortable and adjustable for any size. They can last up to 18 hours and have both wireless and wired listening options.

They can also connect to two devices at the same time and can store up to 8 paired devices in their memory. There is also a wideband-enabled mic that allows you to take calls and use different smartphone assistants. As a whole, if there was a deal that was a great bang for your buck, this would be the first thing that pops into my head!

Best Waterproof – Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Sport Fitness and Running are one of the most popular wireless models on the market right now. They are used by runners, cyclists, basketball players, and all other people who enjoy their sports while listening to music. The main appeal of these headphones is their superb build quality, their excellent sound quality, and the fitment they provide.

The construction of the Jaybirds X4 is IPX7 rated. It can be used in all weather conditions and can survive even dropping them in water. Their battery is also quite decent. It’ll serve you with 8 hours of battery life.

It takes about 2 hours to fully charge which isn’t the fastest recharge time. However, the headphones connect fast with most devices out there and have a range of around 33ft. Without a doubt, their main feature is the proper fitment they provide.

Their thermo-reactive tips provide an incredibly soft fit. It doesn’t bother the rich sound that comes from the headphone drivers. On the Jaybird app, you can even control the EQ of the headphones.

Since they aren’t true wireless earbuds, they have a physical connection between them. This makes them even more suitable for basketball games as they won’t easily fall out. One of their main drawbacks is that they are a bit expensive, especially when compared to some in-ear JBL models. If money is not an issue for you, we’d definitely suggest you purchase this beast.

Best Basketball Headphones Buyer’s Guide

In this section, we’ll look at all of the factors to consider when purchasing a new set of basketball headphones. First, you must evaluate the type of headphones. It is important for comfort, sound quality, and portability. The type of headphones you choose will also affect your budget. Because most over-ear headphones are expensive. Following that, we’ll go over the features you should look for and compare different models to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Let’s get started!

Types of Headphones for Basketball

When choosing a new pair of headphones, in general, you will have to consider all the various types out there. Most of the time, headphones can be divided into two groups – wireless (Bluetooth) or wired. While wired headphones have their advantages, such as better sound quality, they are rarely good for training with. The obvious reason for that is that their wire can often get in the way and take the headphones down. For that reason, we will mostly focus on wireless headphones that use Bluetooth or other types of special connectivity with their devices. These types of headphones can be divided in:

• Over-ear headphones
• On-ear headphones
• In-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones are Best Headphones for Basketball

Over-ear basketball headphones are one of the biggest models out there. Even though they are bulky but comfortable and flat in feel. They cover the whole ear. Some people prefer these over on-ear headphones. Because they are easy to wear over longer periods of time. It also makes them a bit more stable when you’re playing ball.

Another advantage of these headphones is that they create a very good seal around your ear. That’s why you’ll get a noise cancelation to feel. Their noise cancellation or noise enhancement features are typically on par with the ones of in-ear headphones.

Durability-wise, they are often water and dustproof. But they are easy to drop from your head. It makes them more prone to potential damage. Especially when compared to in-ear models.

Their biggest advantage by far is the sound quality. Thanks to their size, they can fit larger speakers (30-40mm or bigger) into the body of the headphone. This allows for superb audio quality with great lows, mids, and highs.

On the other hand, all that extra size and sound quality come at a price that can compete with expensive ones in the market for sure.

On-ear headphones: Are these the Best Headphones for Basketball Players?

On-ear headphones are the next best thing if you want something with bigger speaker sizes. You’ll get decent comfort that doesn’t get inside your ear. They feature a similar design to over-ear headphones but are usually much smaller. For this reason, they stay directly on your ear.

This makes them slightly less comfortable but some people still prefer that. However, they are lighter and more agile. The best thing is they put less strain on your ears. They also allow external noises to get in, making them good for the outdoor basketball court.

Sound quality-wise, these are decent but cannot compare to one of the over-ear models. They are good enough for listening to music while warming up. However, you’ll get surprisingly good lows and highs. They are super lightweight and very durable. Water resistance is fairly common nowadays. As well as decent flexibility and impact resistance. Price-wise they stand between over-ear and in-ear models and are usually in the 100-300$ range.

In-ear headphones for Basketball Players: Which Things to Consider Before Buying

Finally, let’s talk about in-ear headphones. They are some of the most common sports headphones out there. The main reason for their popularity is their compact nature and minimalist design. Nowadays, however, most of them come in the form of two separate headphones that you plug into your ears. That makes them extremely easy to wear when you’re playing sports. Thanks to their ergonomic designs that help them stay in your ear even during intense workouts and basketball games.

As with the other types, these too have active noise cancellation. They literally block your ear canal very well. You’ll also get passive noise cancellation too. That makes them great for busy basketball courts.

They have great bass, crisp mids, and highs and can typically get quite loud. It is a potential downside. Almost all in-ear headphones are waterproof and dustproof and can take a hit even if you drop them. if you’re on a budget, these will typically cost you the least.

Now, let’s talk a little bit more about all the features that you will have to consider when buying your first pair of basketball headphones.

Features to Look at before Choosing the Best Headphones for Basketball

When purchasing a new set of headphones, you must consider a number of factors, just like you would with any other pair. However, because these are sports headphones, you will need to consider a few other factors too. One thing is knowing the IP rating of the headphones. Whether they can withstand quick motions and handle changes in direction. Everything will be determined by their fit and build quality. Here is a list of all the features we will now discuss.

Type

The type of headphones you choose is important. If you have a very restricted budget, your options are limited to corded headphones. These will not have the same sound quality. They will be more robust and will do the job.

Over-ear wireless headphones will cost the most. But you will get the most comfort. They cause the head to sweat more over a longer warm-up.

On-ear headphones are one of the greatest solutions in terms of price-per-value and sound quality. Simple in design, operate well,, and are frequently sturdy enough for basketball. Most of them have a good battery life, so you won’t have to worry about them dying in the middle of a basketball game.

Sound Quality

Most headphones’ sound quality is determined by two factors. The speaker size and Ohms. While this isn’t very useful for in-ear headphones. Because they have tiny drivers. It is a decent approach to comparing sound quality between over-ear and on-ear devices.

In-ear headphones typically rely on sound calibration to sound excellent. This also applies to larger headphones. Smaller headphones, particularly those used for basketball or training, typically have higher bass levels. Due to the nature of their speakers, larger headphones are much more balanced.

Some brands continue to emphasize studio-level sound quality, while others prefer to have a signature sound that people will seek out. Beats is a fantastic illustration of this, as a company that focuses on bass levels. JBL and Sony, on the other hand, use a much more measured approach, giving terrific sound over the entire frequency range.

Check The Back

Another element to consider when purchasing on-ear or over-ear headphones is whether they are open-back or closed-back. The top of the speakers on open-back headphones will be mostly plastic/metal mesh. Some of their sounds will “leak” because of that.

When listening to music, will offer a more ambient experience. These are often designed to allow you to hear outside noises while listening to music rather than entirely blocking out the outside world. Active noise augmentation features in some in-ear headphones, such as Apple’s AirPods, replicate that type of sound performance.

Comfort

In-ear headphones are the most comfortable option. They will never fall off your head and will provide consistent performance. They will not cause your head to sweat as a result of contact with the on-ear and over-ear pads.

Some people dislike the sensation of an in-ear headphone remaining in your ear canal for hours at a time. This can result in ear canal irritation, itching, fungal infections, and other problems with your hearing. This is why, in the last five years, on-ear headphones have grown in popularity.

This is due to the fact that they provide a happy medium between the bulkiness of over-ear models. And the somewhat irritating feel of in-ear models. Most on-ear headphones will have silicone pads that are as comfortable as a memory foam pillow. They conform to the shape of your head and ear with minimal compression, allowing them to stay in place.

Build Quality & Durability Of Best Headphones for Basketball

The build quality of your new headphones will be directly related to their price. The more expensive basketball headphones are, the more durable they will be. One of the major aspects of durability is how flexible the headphones are.

Since they will be handled on a daily basis, they need to be sturdy yet flexible enough not to snap if you bend them accidentally. This is why most headphones’ frames are very flexible and almost impossible to break or snap. The build quality also translates to the ear pads and the plastic on top of the speakers.

One of the most important factors when it comes to building quality and durability, however, is the IP rating. This rating is in direct relation to how well the headphones are built. Also their performance under sub-par conditions. I will discuss it in further detail a little bit further down the article.

Battery Life

The battery life of any pair of headphones is one of its main determining factors whether it is good for outdoor activity or not. Most models nowadays will have a battery life of around 25-30 hours. Anything below should be avoided. Unless it’s on a budget pair.

Headphones with a battery life above 30 hours are still quite rare and are truly great for outdoor basketball. As you won’t have the battery anxiety you do with other models.

Some in-ear headphones will have a combined battery life of much over 30 hours. That is because the manufacturers will count the battery of the headphones’ case in the total number. That way, a 10-hour battery on the headphones, combined with the option to charge them 3 more times from the case. It gives you a total of 40 hours of battery life.

Connectivity

The Bluetooth or cable connection of your headphones determines their connectivity. To connect to your device, most low-cost or high-tech headphones will have a 3.5mm cable jack. Newer models for training has wireless connectivity.

The Bluetooth version used by each model distinguishes them. Some headphones still use Bluetooth 3.0, while newer models use Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. It gives them a better connection over longer distances. Also better signal quality. All of this provides a greater range of connectivity and improved audio quality.

Call Quality

The connectivity of the headphones will also play a role in taking calls and receiving notifications directly into your headphones. More expensive models usually give you complete control over your phone’s functions.

Some even come with dedicated apps that allow you to completely customize your experiences like equalizer and others. Another benefit of almost all premium headphones is that they have higher-quality microphones. These will allow you to take calls while maintaining crystal-clear outgoing and incoming quality.

Portability

In terms of portability, in-ear headphones truly dominate the field. In short, if you want something that you can put in your pocket and go out to play basketball, these are the clear winners. Most in-ear headphones have a wireless charging case that can hold and protect them. After a few upgrades, they are now becoming lightweight and minimal.

On-ear and over-ear headphones have also worked on their portability and size over the years. Nowadays, they can fold and pack in a pouch or box just as easily as you would carry any other small item. Thanks to an improvement in material quality. They’ve also become lighter, which makes them even easier to carry around and wear on your head.

Still, the most portable option by far remains the in-ear pair of headphones.

IP Rating

For any headphones always put an eye out for an IP rating. Ip ratings are used to describe the resistance of headphones to water and dust. The first digit represents dust resistance. The second represents waterproofing.

As a result, a pair of IP68-rated headphones provides a 6 dustproof rating and an 8 waterproof rating. IP68 is one of the most common IP ratings.

As an example. It will provide adequate protection for your headphones. It may even allow you to submerge them in water without damaging them.

One disadvantage of higher IP ratings is that they are pricey. The main reason for this is the extensive testing that the company must undergo in order to be certified at that level. This is why some manufacturers are notorious for not having an IP rating but still being dust and water-resistant.

Price & Warranty

Lastly, the headphone’s price and the warranty. If you’re on a tight budget, there are many cheaper waterproof in-ear models in the $20-$100 range.

However, if you want the best of the best, it’ll cost you more than $300-400 dollars. Expensive headphones will have excellent sound quality, and excellent durability, and will be extremely comfortable. Other features will include ANC (active noise cancellation), smartphone controls, notifications, and much more.

Most headphones will come with a full 2-year warranty. This is the industry standard nowadays. And anything above that is definitely worth investigating.

What Headphones do Some Pro Basketball Players Use?

If you haven’t completely made up your mind about a particular set of headphones, you can follow your idols in this sport. Most professional players prefer wearing headphones, whether it is because of an endorsement or simply because they like them. Here are some of the most famous basketball players and their headphones of choice:

• Lebron James – Lebron James is one of the most famous Beats (by Dre) endorsers out there. He was one of the first players to endorse the brand and has been a front figure ever since. He is known for wearing multiple models from the brand on and off the basketball court.
• Luka Doncic – Luka Doncic wears his Bose QuietComfort 35 (Gen-2) wireless headphones on the court. They deliver superb sound quality mixed with great noise cancellation features as well as noise enhancement ones. They are also quite durable which is important for a pair of basketball headphones.
• Steph Curry –  Steph Curry is known to sport his JBL Live 650 BTNCs both on and off the court. They are known for their incredible noise cancellation and also have pretty good battery life and water resistance.
• Kevin Durant – Just like Lebron James, Kevin Durant is known for wearing most Beats models everywhere he goes. The Powerbeats 3 are some of his favorite headphones, however.
• James Harden – James Harden is also a Powerbeats fan, always wearing the newest version from that line of products!

Other players like Damian Lillard, and Blake Griffin also endorse brands like JBL and Beats, both of which are fighting to win the top spot in the basketball world.

If you also want to learn more about basketball shoes and what the differences are between indoor and outdoor models, click here! Now, let’s answer a few other important questions regarding this topic…

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Headphones for Basketball

What headphones do famous basketball players use?

Some of the most common headphones we see on the basketball court are the JBL Everest Elite 300 and the Beats Studio3. Some players also prefer the Sony WH series due to their noise-canceling features when they’re practicing alone. One of the biggest debates in the world of basketball, however, is on-ear or in-ear. Simply put, if you want a more dynamic headphone that won’t fall off easily (or at all), go for in-ear. If you want a more casual pair of headphones, go for on-ear or over-ear.

Should you wear headphones when playing ball?

Yes, in fact, even most professional players prefer to have their music on even before they go out on the court. Then, they still have them for their warm-up until the game starts. Some street games even allow headphones to be worn during the actual game. However, you will find that over-ear or on-ear headphones are far too susceptible to damage or falling off in a full-contact street game. That is the reason most people prefer wearing in-ear models when playing outdoors.

What is the official headphones of the NBA?

Beats headphones are the official ones for NBA. The top-rated players like LeBron James, James Harden, and Anthony Davis they wear beats headphones.

Can I use the same headphones for basketball and workout session?

Yes. You can use any of the top picks we’ve mentioned in this review article and use it for both purposes. It could be beats, JBL, or others from the list above.

Is Apple AirPods good for basketball?

Apple’s own headphones are especially good for basketball, at least their Pro version. The reason for that is that they have a great fit and are plenty comfortable in your ears. Moreover, they have both noise-canceling and noise-enhancing features, depending on what you prefer. When they are paired with your iPhone, they can also work with your apple watch so that you leave the phone on the sidelines.

Final Words For Best Headphones for Basketball

It will be difficult to find the best basketball headphones. The main reason for this is that there are numerous models available on the market. Each professional athlete appears to be endorsing a different brand. So, what fits them better might not suit you the same. That’s why we’ve listed various best sports headphones. From affordable budgets to expensive ones with distinguished features. You can scan through them and see which one matches you preference and purchase it. We hope this article helps you and answers all your questions.

Thank you!